Wednesday, 7 December 2011

Our Spy Spy Visits Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona, USA


Think you know it all when it comes to Destination Spas? Well Canyon Ranch is the place the experts go to when they want to learn more. Taking the turn of Spa Spy, our Peter finds out just what makes it one of the best places for tackling your health and fitness goals.
What were your first impressions of the resort?
Considering the amazing reputation it has as a luxury spa holiday destination, it was understated and rustic but very comfortable and welcoming. There is very much a sincere focus on the health of the individuals - in mind body and spirit.
How did you find the food, was it healthy?
I found the food very healthy, fresh, plentiful, and satisfying. All the menus contain the nutritional details for each dish, i.e. calories, fat content, carbohydrates, etc. You know what you are eating. I’d call it a ‘performance food’ menu, to maximise your experience in terms of achieving your goal. Also, there was food, fruit, drinks available all the time between meal times which was great and well appreciated; there is so much going on that it is easy to forget to refresh yourself and get some energy back, so having this available was really useful!
What do you think makes Canyon Ranch special?
Definitely the high calibre of their staff. The nurses, trainers, therapists, consultants are all at the top of the game and full of knowledge, wisdom and practical advice. Many of them have been there 20 years plus, so they really know their stuff, and genuinely love working there.
What was your favourite treatment?
The ‘road warrior massage’, fantastic as a ‘recovery’ type treatment after a day of hiking or biking. Large sachets of various herbs and spices are steamed and heated and then applied to selected muscle groups. I had it after a glorious hike in the Catalina Mountains and it worked wonders.
Did you learn anything you didn’t already know from your time there?
You couldn’t help but learn if you engaged yourself even a little in the range of activities, discussions and seminars available every day. It is a learning centre as much as a destination spa and wellness resort – I felt like I was at an elite university the whole time I was there.
What was your favourite activity?
The early morning hike up into the canyons near the resort. Two and a half hours up the mountain and about an hour and a half back. You are back at Canyon Ranch in time for a late breakfast after having a great bit of exercise while watching morning break over the desert.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
The range and variety of activities available to you every day, it is incredible. There were up to 40 classes and seminars, with everything from high octane fitness classes to metaphysical subjects such as tarot reading.  
Did anything surprise you about the resort?
Considering all the activities going on the resort was really calm and serene. Even when it is busy, it never seems crowded due to guests being involved in different activities throughout the resort or even off the resort such as biking and hikes
What is the atmosphere at Canyon Ranch like?
I compare it to being at a top university with a highly ‘switched on’ student body. There was a level of seriousness to the way people were getting on with their programmes and daily activities. The staff had the same attitude, doing all they could to encourage the maximum effort with the joint goal of getting results. All this was tempered with a degree of mutual respect and fun that motivated you to keep coming back for more.
Who would you recommend Canyon Ranch to?
I’d recommend Canyon Ranch to someone who is genuinely serious about an investment in themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally and who really understands the destination spa experience. For everything you give in terms of time, money, effort and dedication while you are there, you get it all back in terms of results...and with interest. It's more than a spa holiday, it's a life-changing experience. 
For more on Canyon Ranch visit our website here!
 

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